Byline: Chris Azbell/CMN Extension Coordinator
Hesci Readers… welcome to the third installment of Chewing the Cud with CMN Extension. This week I want to share some very important happenings in the realm of senior nutrition. If you are like me, you are probably not eating the proper amount of fruits and vegetables that is recommended for a balanced diet. In our modern world, we often opt for the easy culinary road… McDonalds, Burger King, or if you are from the 80s, a TV dinner. Perhaps it is the impact of modernity, the fast-paced world that we live in.
For those of you that really want to make a change and start focusing on your nutritional health without breaking the bank, the Oklahoma Local Agriculture Collaborative has rolled out the 2024 “Senior Farmers’ Market Nutritional Program”. If you are over the age of 55, Native American, and make less than $2,322 a month, you are currently eligible for a one time $50 gift card. Non-Indians are also eligible, but they must be 60 years or older. The card must be used at participating farmers’ markets located throughout the State of Oklahoma. Interestingly, many of the participating markets provide patrons an additional opportunity to “Double Up”, resulting in the ability to purchase $100.00 in fresh produce. This is called the Double Up Oklahoma (DUO) program.
CMN Extension learned about this amazing opportunity through our partnership with Oklahoma State University Extension and quickly recognized its potential positive impact on Mvskoke citizens. A number of staff members at the College of the Muscogee Nation have gone through the required training protocol and are currently approved to begin signing up eligible participants. Citizens can go to https://oklac.org/ and sign up directly, or you can call CMN Extension at 918-549-2861 to sign up over the phone. We have already signed up several citizens and are eager to sign up more.
This is truly an amazing opportunity to receive one hundred dollars in food benefits and gain access to more nutritious food. And that got me thinking….I think we all need to do a better job of focusing on our health in all aspects of our lives. My old friend used to say that you have to have balance between your mind, body, and spirit. A healthier person has a healthier perspective on life. I recently reduced my weight by 20 pounds and I can already feel my outlook on the world has changed. I have more energy, my attitude is better, and now I can even fit into some of my old clothes. Perhaps you can use this unique opportunity to jump start meaningful change in your life… a life worth living.
